This follows reports of the submission of a list of around 57 ethical formulation brands to the Drugs Controller for consideration for grant of an OTC status.

IDMA president Gopakumar G Nair said that while the idea of granting OTC status to prescription drugs (with no major side effects etc) is welcome, such a move cannot be undertaken on a brand-to-brand basis.

"Such a move should be undertaken only on the basis of proper classification drug-wise and only specific drugs by pharmacopoeial names should be allowed to move towards the OTC category, " he said.

For example, Paracetamol formulations could be shifted to the OTC segment, while this approval cannot be granted to a single brand like Crocin on a selective basis as it could be challenged for being a discriminatory practice.